Review of Jeremiah Burroughs–Gospel Fear

Mike Leake

Author: Jeremiah Burroughs

Pages: 142

Publisher: Soli Deo Gloria

Price: 14.40 USD

Genre: Puritan/Christian Living

Quick Summary:

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 66:2, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” In this work, the Puritan, Jeremiah Burroughs, concerns himself with teaching on the heart that trembles at God’s Word. Would a man who can turn having a kidney stone into a means for preaching the gospel, disappoint in expositing one of my favorite verses?

Burroughs does not disappoint. The book is an offering of seven classic Burroughs sermons on a heart that trembles at the Word of God. There is always a little something to be desired in a book of sermons. The sermon is different than a typical printed work. A book of sermons is like looking at a section of row homes. They are all going to look relatively the same, yet each will have a few things that make it stand out as different. A typical printed work looks like an exquisite mansion, with each piece building upon the other. Therefore, the book of sermons always leaves a little something to be desired. Yet, there is also something that a book of sermons can have that a typical work will not; a passionate preaching of God’s Word. Burroughs offers that passionate preaching. In typical Puritan fashion, each sermon leaves the hearer either over the pits of hell or embraced in the arms of the Almighty.

What I Liked:

Burroughs preaching (and writing) style is very easy to follow. It is straightforward and easily outlined. Yet, it is not dull. Burroughs has a way of passionately encouraging the believer and pleading with the unbeliever in the same breath. Of all the Puritans Burroughs is one of the best at giving a visual picture and illustration of what he is discussing. Therefore, he is a very enjoyable read. At the same time, his work is not light. You will be convicted. If Burroughs words are heeded the saint will tremble at God’s Word. Even the unbeliever is given reason for trembling. His writing style and communication of vital doctrine makes Burroughs stand head and shoulder above the rest.

What I Disliked:

Again, a book of sermons always leaves a little something to be desired. There are major topics that will not be addressed in this particular work. Another disadvantage of a book of sermons is that looking at row homes can get a little monotonous. Even though Burroughs is a phenomenal writer, the reader will still find himself getting a little bored at times because of the lack of novelty. The best way to read this book would be devotionally over a long period of time. Read one chapter (sermon) and then read another a month or two later. Let the truths sink in, and then come back to another chapter/sermon at a later date.
Should You Buy It?

If it has the name Jeremiah Burroughs on it, and you love Jesus, then it is worthy of your money. As mentioned earlier, Burroughs is a wonderful writer and is solid theologically. It may be a little monotonous at times, but if you space out the reading of each chapter you will find it a highly profitable work.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Does TV Harden Our Hearts?

Mike Leake 1 Comment

Jeremiah Burroughs, in one of the sermons in Gospel Fear (which I will be reviewing today), says this: “Take heed of heart-hardening company, of slight company, of frothy company, of going into the company of those who have slight and vain spirits, and especially those who have been and are professors of religion, and yet have slight and vain spirits”.

As I read this I could not help but wonder if, in our day, Burroughs would have at this point went on a tangent about the vices of excessive television watching. I seldom find myself in the company of “frothy” (that is empty) people. Most of my friends are passionate about Jesus. (I’ll take my rebuke from my missional friends here). But I do often find myself in the company of frothy, slight, and vain television personalities. Granted, they are not professors of religion. Yet, there is very little serious thought. Does this harden my heart and keep it from being tender towards the gospel?

Secondly, I think Burroughs has a significant warning for those of us that are “professors of religion”. “Professor” is another way of saying “Those that profess Christianity”. It is not saying professors/teachers. These are ordinary believers. If we, as ordinary believers, are proclaiming to be Christ-followers, and yet live our lives in triviality what are we communicating about God and His gospel? Should we really be frothy? Burroughs is not against joy. Burroughs is against empty joy. May the Lord grant us a blood-earnestness for the sake of the gospel!

Mystery of Providence Chapter 8

Mike Leake 1 Comment

Chapter 8 begins the second section of Flavel’s work. The first section concerned itself with giving evidences of the many workings of Providence. This section will encourage us in our duty of responding to this mighty Providence; chapter 8 explains this duty. Flavel will give 7 reasons that it is a duty to meditate upon the Providence of God:

  1. Because God has expressely commanded it
  2. Because the neglect of it is everywhere in Scripture condemned as sin
  3. Because the Holy Spirit often, through Scripture, told us to “Behold”
  4. Because without due attention to such things no praise can be rendered to God for them
  5. Because without meditating on Providence we lose the benefits that were intended for us and others
  6. Because it is a vile slighting of God not to do so
  7. Because our prayers will not be suitable to our condition unless we notice the workings of Providence

This chapter is a quick introductory chapter. Flavel sufficiently shows us that it is our duty to meditate upon the Providence of God.

Discussion:

There is not much to discuss in this chapter. I will only sum it up by asking one question. What are specific ways we can obey and disobey this duty?

Borrowed Light: Today in Blogworld 02/20-21

Mike Leake

Imagine this…Mark Driscoll has stirred up controversy. The discussions start with Challies review of Driscoll’s Vintage Jesus. Then he asks, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Mark Driscoll? Brian Thornton weighs in, as does Carla Rolfe.

David, The Thristy Theologian, explains Why He is a Calvinst, today he discusses Depravity.

I’m not the biggest fan of the title, but the Reformed Mafia, is showing the Trouble with Frank Page. It’s a play off Page’s, ridiculous work, The Trouble with Tulip. If you have read Page’s book you’ll appreciate the review. See Part One and Two.

What does it mean to avoid every appearance of evil? Dan Wallace answers. This is a quality article, and very important given many of our recent discussions on alcohol, card playin’, etc. Here is his conclusion: “To wield 1 Thess 5.22 as a weapon to restrict a believer’s personal freedom is against the general tenor of the New Testament and of the Lord’s life in particular. Ironically, to avoid every appearance of evil is far more in keeping with the Pharisees’ model of righteousness than with Jesus’!”

Michael Patton continues his series on the Emergent Church. Today he asks, “Are You Emerging“? He has also recently compared Fundamentalists, Evangelicals, and Emergents.

Are we under the Law? Nathan Busenitz continues his series with part two and three.

Our church is currently trying to reframe our mission statement and put together a few statements to go with it. Perhaps we should consider the words of Dr. Bart Barber. This flies in the face of your typical outreach material; I love it. (HT: Henry Institute)

David Mathis gives us a very helpful list on resources for Bibliology.

Thabiti has a really wonderful article on highly gifted pastors in small fields of labor. Are Our Gifts to be Big for Our Field of Labor?

David Wells guest blogs at 9Marks. He asks, Are We Fiddling While Rome Burns? In case you cannot pick it up by the title, this article is about alternate forms of “having church”.

Lastly, Michael McKinley offers a Hypocrites Guide to Preaching.